Bulgarian environmentalists have raised an alarm over the launch of construction works in the coastal Irakli-Emine, a protected area, included in NATURA 2000 program.

Irakli, located in the northern part of Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, is a protected area facing the threat of being wiped out by urbanization and expanding ventures. The desire to protect one of the few wild beaches in Bulgaria has gathered together hundreds of people from across the country in a grassroots movement, called "Let's save Irakli!"

"New photos, shot a week ago, show that despite Brussels' threat to freeze all structural funds in case of invasion into NATURA 2000 zones, the investor Swiss Properties has started huge construction works in the area," reads a statement, published on the site of the grassroots movement.

"The start of construction works in Irakli violates not only the European legislation, but also a number of Bulgarian laws," the statement goes on.

"Irakli has come to symbolize in Bulgaria a new way of thinking, of freedom in the fight against corruption, violation of civil rights and the authorities vicious habit to do their deals under the table," the statement goes on.

"Irakli reminded tens of thousands of Bulgarians that clean environment is the constitutional right of every Bulgarian," the movement said and warned they are bracing up for a new wave of protests.

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